In a normal year, the countdown would be on to the annual Maple Lake Ice Fishing Derby.
Unfortunately, the on-going restrictions due to COVID-19 restrictions has forced the cancellation of the derby and its associated events.
Derby Chairman Greg Thomes says the committee held out hope as long as they could that things would change enough to allow for the event to happen, but in the end, they felt they had no choice but to cancel.
Thomes says with the absence of a DNR tournament permit, the only way to hold the event would have been in a “virtual” setting, which organizers and sponsors felt would diminish the fellowship and impact for everyone concerned.
While the derby won’t be happening, Thomes says the two luxury fish houses that were to be top prizes for this year’s event will be auctioned off on consecutive evenings this Friday at 7 PM at the Maple Lake American Legion, and Saturday at 7 PM at Madigan’s in Maple Lake.
Officials say that the organization will put all resources back into the 2022 event, which has been set for February 5th of next year.
All proceeds from the annual fishing derby are used to improve the water quality of Maple Lake, to be enjoyed by all residents and visitors.
